Considers the future of online publication of scientific journals and how electronic research reports (eReports) and electronic research journals (eJournals) will change the way research is reported, disseminated, consumed, and conducted by the scientific community. Suggests there will be a more interactive dynamic discourse between authors and…

Responds to a recent critical report on computers in childhood. Highlights include computers, children, and research; social and emotional development; types of software; motivation; social and cognitive interactions; cognitive development; creativity; language and literacy; writing and word processing; mathematics and reasoning; and science and…

Suggests that the Internet plays an important role in socialization and that children need to be recognized as active participants rather than passive recipients of multimedia texts and messages. Argues that there needs to be a shift away from the current emphasis on restriction to a focus on communication between adults and children. (LRW)

Relates findings from a review of the literature on six academic motivational constructs studied in traditional environments to online education concepts. Examines self-efficacy, locus of control, attributions, goal orientation, intrinsic versus extrinsic motivation, and self-regulation to identify methods for ensuring student success in online…

Discussion of the digital divide focuses on a social divide rather than a lack of access to information technology for specific groups. Topics include historic trends in technology diffusion; policy implications; motivational barrier to technology use; knowledge and skill barrier; content barrier; and social network barrier. (LRW)

Discusses universal Web accessibility in light of U.S. legislation that required all Web sites receiving federal funds to meet accessibility directives by the spring of 2001. Provides clarification of the accessibility statutes, including the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and offers resources and information to assist in successfully…

Addresses assistive technology concepts as they relate to education. Provides an overview of the NCATE (National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education) and ISTE (International Society for Technology in Education) guidelines concerning assistive technology and proposes a model for a course concerning assistive technology and universal…

Discussion of distance learning focuses on access, legal, and policy issues for people with disabilities and presents an overview of design considerations for assuring that a distance learning course is accessible to potential instructors and students with a wide range of abilities and disabilities. Uses universal design as a framework.…

Discusses Web design for people with disabilities and outlines a process-based approach to accessibility policy implementation. Topics include legal mandates; determining which standards apply to a given organization; validation, or evaluation of the site; site architecture; navigation; and organizational needs. (Author/LRW)

Discussion of online distance learners with disabilities focuses on the essential components of a Web-based course, the learning advantages that arise from equal access Web formatting, and design strategies that lead to creating accessible, online materials. Highlights include legal mandates, including Americans with Disabilities Act; assistive…

Discussion of technology integration focuses on the design and development of a multimedia, CD-ROM/Internet-based teacher development tool that was intended to help teachers envision and achieve technology integration. Highlights include software content; videotaping classroom practice; creating digital files; designing the interface; developing…

Reports on ongoing work at five universities in northeastern England that have been evaluating and implementing online learning environments known as virtual learning environments (VLEs) or managed learning environments (MLEs). Discusses do-it-yourself versus commercial systems; transferability; Web-based versus client-server; integration with…

Discusses models of home educational computing that are linked to learning in school and recommends the need for research that addresses the home as a computer-based learning environment. Topics include a history of research on educational computing at home; technological infrastructure, including software and compatibility; Internet access;…

Discussion of quality assurance strategies in university distance education programs focuses on a quality assessment designed around five components: administrative leadership and support, ongoing program concerns, Web course development, student concerns and needs, and faculty concerns and needs. Explains the University of Central Florida's…

Discussion of current issues in early childhood education focuses on developmentally appropriate uses of computer-based materials and techniques. Highlights include research on appropriate practice; computers and cognitive development; rationale for using technology; the computing environment; and an annotated bibliography of pertinent Internet…